German MPs are pressing Chancellor Angela Merkel for a free vote in parliament soon on legalising same-sex marriage, after she signalled a shift in her party's position on it, as stated by BBC. 

Mrs Merkel surprised the German media by saying she favoured a "decision of conscience" on gay marriage.

Her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) have previously opposed it - unlike the opposition Social Democrats (SPD), Free Democrats (FDP) and Greens.

Some want a free vote on it this week.

Mrs Merkel's comments sparked intense debate on social media, and the hashtag #Ehefüralle (marriage for all) is trending on Twitter.

Many of Germany's EU partners have legalised gay marriage, notably the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and the UK.